Separating the solvent from a solution – simple distillation
simple distillationSeparation method used to separate a solvent from a solution. is a method for separating the solvent from a solution. For example, water can be separated from salt solution by simple distillation. This method works because water has a much lower boiling point than salt. When the solution is heated, the water evaporates. It is then cooled and condensed into a separate container. The salt does not evaporate and so it stays behind.
Image caption, Salt solution is heated.
Image caption, Water evaporates and its vapours rise. The water vapour passes into the condenser, where it cools and condenses. Liquid water drips into a beaker.
Image caption, All the water has evaporated from the salt solution, leaving the salt behind
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Every pure substance has its own particular melting point and boiling pointThe temperature at which a substance rapidly changes from a liquid to a gas.. One way to check the purity of the separated liquid is to measure its boiling point. For example, pure water boils at 100°C. If it contains any dissolved solids, its boiling point will be higher than this.